How long a patent lasts
Answer in brief
A utility patent generally ends 20 years from its earliest U.S. nonprovisional filing date; a design patent filed on or after May 13, 2015 ends 15 years from grant. Utility patents end early if a maintenance fee is not paid.
Adjustments
- Patent term adjustment can add time for certain USPTO delays.
- Terminal disclaimers can shorten term to match a related patent.
- Term extension is available for some products delayed by regulatory review.
Sources for this entry
- USPTO — Managing a patent USPTO
A utility patent's term is generally 20 years from the earliest filing date, subject to maintenance fees; it grants only the right to exclude. - USPTO — MPEP § 1505 Term of Design Patent USPTO
Design patents from applications filed on or after May 13, 2015 last 15 years from grant (35 U.S.C. 173). - USPTO — Maintain your patent USPTO
Maintenance fees are due 3 to 3.5, 7 to 7.5 and 11 to 11.5 years after issue, with surcharge grace periods to 4, 8 and 12 years.
Practical guidance is original editorial content. Company-published figures are the company's own claims and are labeled as such.
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Cite or share this entry
Patent Law Center. “How long a patent lasts.” Wysebridge Reference. Content reviewed 9 November 2026.
https://patentlawcenter.com/patent-term/